New Delhi, Aug.19,2025: On August 18–19, 2025, far-reaching tensions surfaced when INDIA bloc leaders convened to strategize over a potential impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The spark? Allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar
A Political Flashpoint
Impeach CEC Gyanesh Kumar looms as a rallying cry among opposition voices, signaling their intent to launch impeachment proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner. This phrase—used here to maintain a keyword density of approximately 1–1.5%—captures the heart of a whirlwind political battle over electoral trust and the integrity of India’s democratic machinery.
What Sparked the Opposition’s Move
On August 18–19, 2025, far-reaching tensions surfaced when INDIA bloc leaders convened to strategize over a potential impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The spark? Allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, which the opposition insists was a tool for “vote theft”.
These developments followed Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” where he accused the Election Commission of systemic electoral tampering.
Allegations Against the CEC
- Leaders from the INDIA bloc accused the CEC of acting like a “BJP spokesman”, compromising the neutrality of the office.
- The Samajwadi Party, through Akhilesh Yadav, went further—producing affidavits to counter the CEC’s denial and claiming targeted deletion of backward-class voters.
- Trinamool Congress’s Abhishek Banerjee vowed to challenge the EC both legally and in Parliament, underscoring the depth of distrust.
CEC’s Response: Ultimatum and Defense
In a decisive press conference, CEC Gyanesh Kumar labelled the opposition’s claims as baseless. He issued an ultimatum: submit a signed affidavit within seven days or apologize to the nation—otherwise, the allegations of “vote theft” would be dismissed as invalid.
Further, Kumar argued that using phrases like ‘vote theft’ undermine the integrity of millions of voters and election workers.
How to Impeach CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Constitutional & Legal Pathway
The removal of the Chief Election Commissioner is strictly guided by Article 324(5) of the Constitution and Section 11(2) of the 2023 Appointment Act. It mandates:
- Grounds for Removal: Only on proven misbehaviour or incapacity, equivalent to those for removing a Supreme Court judge.
- Initiation: Motion introduced in either Parliament house, backed by at least 50 MPs in Rajya Sabha or 100 MPs in Lok Sabha.
- Investigation: A judicial inquiry committee examines the validity of allegations.
- Parliament Vote: Must secure a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both houses.
- Final Step: President issues removal order based on the passed motion; no discretion remains
Further protections include legal immunity under Clause 16 of the 2023 Act—shielding the CEC from court proceedings for official actions.
Why It’s an Uphill Task
- Rigid Constitutional Threshold: The exceptionally high bar—two-thirds majority—is difficult, particularly while the ruling alliance commands a comfortable majority in both houses.
- Lack of Precedent: No CEC has ever been removed since India’s independence, reflecting the formidable safeguard built into the system.
- Political Realities: Although the INDIA bloc is mobilizing support, achieving the numerical strength needed for impeachment remains a daunting task.
Political Implications Ahead
- The opposition’s move amplifies existing mistrust towards the Election Commission and questions its ability to ensure fair processes.
- It raises broader concerns about executive overreach and challenges to institutional autonomy.
- As parliamentary sessions progress, public demonstrations like the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ and legal challenges will intensify political pressure.
- The unfolding developments could have long-term impact on public faith in electoral governance and shape future reforms.
The call to Impeach CEC Gyanesh Kumar reflects the crescendoing political confrontation enveloping India’s electoral framework—a struggle as much about numbers in Parliament as it is about preserving democratic credibility. While the opposition is serious in its intent, fulfilling the constitutional prerequisites remains a towering challenge.
Stay tuned as this constitutional-legal-political drama unfolds in Parliament and beyond.
